EP3615384B1 - Energy-absorbing device for the bumper beam of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Energy-absorbing device for the bumper beam of a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3615384B1
EP3615384B1 EP18725272.1A EP18725272A EP3615384B1 EP 3615384 B1 EP3615384 B1 EP 3615384B1 EP 18725272 A EP18725272 A EP 18725272A EP 3615384 B1 EP3615384 B1 EP 3615384B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
zone
energy
absorbing device
bumper beam
polymer material
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EP18725272.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3615384A1 (en
Inventor
Hamed TRABELSI
Sergio Da Costa Pito
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Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
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Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
    • B60R19/03—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by material, e.g. composite
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
    • B60R19/24—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles
    • B60R19/26—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means
    • B60R19/34—Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means destroyed upon impact, e.g. one-shot type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an energy absorber device suitable for providing protection in the event of an impact, in particular frontal impact on a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to an energy absorber device for a motor vehicle bumper beam arranged between the bumper beam and the end of a vehicle spar facing the bumper beam as well as the method of manufacturing such an energy absorber device.
  • Document FR 2 785 956 discloses an energy absorber device for a motor vehicle bumper beam, said energy absorber device being intended to make the connection between a bumper beam and the end of a vehicle spar facing the bumper beam shocks the energy absorber device comprising at least a first zone made of a reinforced polymer material and at least a second zone comprising a first nominal layer made of a reinforced polymer material comprising fibers.
  • the second zone has at least one additional layer which is superimposed at least partially on the first nominal layer so as to vary the thickness of the second zone.
  • One of the aims of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a light energy absorber device having better specific absorbed energy.
  • the invention provides an energy absorber device for a motor vehicle bumper beam, said energy absorber device being intended to make the connection between a bumper beam and the end of a vehicle spar. facing the bumper beam, the energy absorber device comprising at least a first zone made of an unreinforced polymer material and at least a second zone comprising a first nominal layer made of a reinforced polymer material comprising fibers characterized in that the second zone has at least one additional layer which is superimposed at least partially on the first nominal layer so as to vary the thickness of the second zone.
  • the thickness of the second zone by adding or not adding additional layers, it is possible to define specific resistance profiles adapted to the needs of the vehicle and thus configure the energy absorber device according to the arrangement of the vehicle, in particular of its bumper beam and side members, to absorb shocks optimally.
  • the second zone has different portions where the number of superposed layers is variable from one portion to another.
  • Another aspect according to the invention is that the thickness of the second zone increases linearly over the entire length of the second zone.
  • the superposed layers are of different size and / or shapes.
  • the reinforced polymer material comprises continuous and / or discontinuous glass and / or carbon fibers.
  • the glass and / or carbon fibers can be oriented in the same direction or in different directions.
  • the nominal layer and the additional layer (s) are made of the same material.
  • Another aspect according to the invention is that the hollow outer casing corresponds to the second zone and that the fixing base and the internal walls correspond to the first zone.
  • first element or second element As well as first parameter and second parameter or even first and second criterion. criterion etc.
  • it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements or parameters or criteria which are similar but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of an element, parameter or criterion with respect to another and it is easily possible to interchange such names without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexation does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess this or that criterion.
  • Motor vehicles are generally provided with a bumper beam 2 arranged on the front face. As shown in the figure 1 , this bumper beam 2 can be fixed to a side member 3 of the vehicle. In order to absorb the shocks and to prevent the energy of the shocks from being directly transmitted to the side members 3 as well as to the rest of the vehicle, the bumper beam 2 may include energy absorbing devices 1 which make the connection. Between the bumper beam 2 and the ends of the side members 3 which are opposite said bumper beam 2. These energy-absorbing devices 1 are deformed according to a programmed deformation when the energy of the impact reaches a certain level in order to 'absorb this energy.
  • the energy absorber device 1 extends in a longitudinal (X), transverse (Y) and vertical (Z) direction, for example with respect to the axes of the vehicle, as represented by the axes on the figure 1 .
  • the energy absorber device 1 comprises at least a first zone 4 made of an unreinforced polymer material, illustrated here by the striped elements, and at least a second zone 6 made of a reinforced polymer material comprising fibers, illustrated here by the elements in united.
  • reinforced polymeric material is meant that the polymeric material comprises glass and / or carbon fibers.
  • unreinforced polymeric material is meant that the polymeric material does not contain fibers.
  • an energy absorber device 1 comprising a first zone 4 made of a material having a first property of shock absorption and a second zone 6 made of a material having a second property of absorption of shocks. shocks.
  • the energy absorber device 1 according to the invention is such that the first zone 4 and the second zone 6 have different shock absorption properties, or in other words, the unreinforced polymeric material of the first zone 4 has a property, or profile, or aptitude or yet another shock absorption capacity of the reinforced polymer material comprising fibers from the second zone 6.
  • only the reinforced polymer material comprises fibers.
  • the unreinforced polymer material of the first portion 4 can be chosen between polypropylene and polyamide.
  • the reinforced polymer material of the second portion 6 which may for its part also include polypropylene or polyamide.
  • the fibers of the reinforced polymer material can in particular be glass and / or carbon fibers. These fibers can be staple fibers and thus allow the manufacture of an energy absorbing device by injection.
  • the fibers can be continuous fibers and allow the manufacture of an energy absorbing device 1 by thermoforming. These manufacturing methods are not limiting and it is quite possible to imagine any other known manufacturing method suitable for the manufacture of a two-material component and one of the materials of which comprises reinforcements in the form of fibers. .
  • the fibers can be aligned in the same direction or in different directions.
  • the outer casing 10 extends from the fixing base 8 to the opposite end of the energy absorbing device 1 in connection with the bumper beam 2, while the internal walls 12 extend within the external envelope 10, in particular between two walls of the internal surface of the external envelope 10 which are opposite one another.
  • the internal walls 12 and / or the fixing base 8 can include weld points 18 or can be made in one piece.
  • the outer casing 10 and the inner walls 12 can both extend from the fixing base 8 to the opposite end of the energy absorbing device 1 in connection with the beam. bumper 2.
  • the fixing base 8 may in particular include orifices in order to be fixed, for example by means of bolts, to the side members 3.
  • the second zone 6, here the outer casing 10, has at least two layers which overlap at least partially so as to vary the thickness of the second zone.
  • the second zone 6 has a first nominal layer 16 which extends over the entire length of the outer casing 10, and at least over part of its length, one or more additional layers 14, or even a patch ( translated from English to define a flat element) so that the thickness of the second area 6 is greater when there are two layers rather than just one.
  • the second zone 6, or in this case the outer casing 10, as comprising a first nominal layer 16 which extends over a given length, for example the distance separating the bumper beam from the vehicle spar. , and a plurality of additional layers 14 which extend over a length shorter than that of the nominal first layer 16.
  • the additional layers 14 can be made of the same material as that of the first nominal layer 16, namely a polymer material, composite or not, reinforced or not comprising glass and / or carbon fibers, the fibers being able to be oriented. in the same direction or in different directions.
  • the additional layers 14 can also be made of a material different from that of the first nominal layer 16, for example by a strip of thermoplastic, for example in the form of a woven material comprising glass and / or carbon fibers with a thermoplastic matrix (also called organo-sheet).
  • the thermoplastic can also be reinforced by including glass and / or carbon fibers.
  • the additional layers 14 are regularly superimposed on each other so that the thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases regularly in stages.
  • the thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases as a function of the number of additional layer 14.
  • the second zone 6 is in the form of a staircase.
  • the thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases locally as a function of the number of additional layers 14, which varies between zero and five here, thus defining a thickness gradient.
  • the invention is not limited to the number of additional layers 14.
  • the additional layers 14 may be of equal or different thickness, and of identical or different shape.
  • the additional layers 14 may extend over the whole of the outer shell 10 or cover only part of the outer shell 10 as illustrated in figure. figure 4 .
  • the outer casing 10, in particular the nominal layer 16 is of square section and the additional layers 14 are distributed on two opposite sides of this square section.
  • the additional layers 14 can be distributed over part or all of the width of one or more sides of the nominal layer 16.
  • the invention is not limited to the specific positioning of these additional layers 14.
  • the additional layers 14 can be arranged on only one side, two, three, or even all of the sides. (for example on six sides if the outer casing is hexagonal section).
  • the outer casing 10 may have a cross section in the form of any polygon, or even an oval cross section.
  • the additional layers 14 are superimposed irregularly on each other so that the thickness of the second zone 6 increases irregularly in stages with the thickness e f , comprising the thickness of the first nominal layer 16 and that of the additional layers 14, varies according to the number of additional layer 14 which varies here between zero and three.
  • the second zone 6 has a niche evolution.
  • the nominal first layer 16 and additional layers 14 some being superimposed, others not, the nominal layer 16 not being superimposed with an additional layer 14 over its entire length.
  • the thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases locally as a function of the number of additional layers 14 which varies between zero and three here thus defining a thickness gradient.
  • the second zone 6 can also have a nominal layer 16 which increases in thickness linearly with or without the superposition of additional layers 14.
  • the first zone 4 made of an unreinforced polymer material, has high ductility which gives it the ability to deform, without breaking, in the event of an impact; that is, to absorb an acceptable amount of energy in the event of an impact.
  • the second zone 6, made of a reinforced polymer material, has a low elongation at break or in other words a low capacity to stretch before breaking when it is stressed in tension.
  • the energy absorber device 1 has good shear strength.
  • the first zone 4 makes it possible to prevent the propagation of this crack and to preserve the integrity of the energy absorber device 1.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an energy absorber device 1 as described above comprising the steps described below.
  • An energy absorber device 1, in particular the internal walls 12, the fixing base 8, and the nominal layer 16, can be formed beforehand by two-material injection or thermoforming.
  • the various elements are fixed together by a heating and stamping or pressing step so as to create a bond between the various additional layers 14 and the nominal layer 16.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie propre à assurer une protection en cas de choc notamment frontal sur un véhicule automobile. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie pour poutre pare-chocs de véhicule automobile disposé entre la poutre pare-chocs et l'extrémité d'un longeron de véhicule en regard de la poutre pare-chocs ainsi que le procédé de fabrication d'un tel dispositif absorbeur d'énergie.The present invention relates to an energy absorber device suitable for providing protection in the event of an impact, in particular frontal impact on a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to an energy absorber device for a motor vehicle bumper beam arranged between the bumper beam and the end of a vehicle spar facing the bumper beam as well as the method of manufacturing such an energy absorber device.

Document FR 2 785 956 divulgue un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie pour poutre pare-chocs de véhicule automobile, ledit dispositif absorbeur d'énergie étant destiné à faire la liaison entre une poutre pare-chocs et l'extrémité d'un longeron de véhicule en regard de la poutre pare-chocs le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie comportant au moins une première zone réalisée dans un matériau polymère renforcé et au moins une deuxième zone comprenant un première couche nominale réalisée dans un matériau polymère renforcé comportant des fibres. La deuxième zone présente au moins une couche additionnelle qui est superposée au moins partiellement sur la première couche nominale de manière à faire varier l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone.Document FR 2 785 956 discloses an energy absorber device for a motor vehicle bumper beam, said energy absorber device being intended to make the connection between a bumper beam and the end of a vehicle spar facing the bumper beam shocks the energy absorber device comprising at least a first zone made of a reinforced polymer material and at least a second zone comprising a first nominal layer made of a reinforced polymer material comprising fibers. The second zone has at least one additional layer which is superimposed at least partially on the first nominal layer so as to vary the thickness of the second zone.

Afin d'absorber l'énergie d'un choc notamment frontal au niveau d'une poutre pare-chocs d'un véhicule automobile, il est connu d'utiliser des dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie qui se déforment du fait des forces exercées par le choc. Ces dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie sont généralement réalisés en matériau métallique du fait de leur résistance. Cependant, ces dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie métalliques sont lourds et ne vont pas dans le sens de l'évolution des véhicules automobiles qui cherchent à réduire de plus en plus leur poids.In order to absorb the energy of a particularly frontal impact at the level of a bumper beam of a motor vehicle, it is known to use energy absorber devices which deform due to the forces exerted by the shock. These energy absorber devices are generally made of a metallic material due to their resistance. However, these metallic energy absorber devices are heavy and do not go in the direction of the evolution of motor vehicles which seek to reduce their weight more and more.

Afin de diminuer le poids des dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie il est connu de les réaliser en matériau plastique ou en matériau composite associant en particulier du plastique et du métal. Pour ce qui est des dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie en matériau plastique, ces derniers ne donnent pas entièrement satisfaction du fait qu'ils ont une énergie absorbée spécifique faible, c'est à dire que l'énergie qu'ils peuvent absorber par rapport à leur masse est faible. Ces dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie plastiques sont donc moins résistants. Concernant les dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie en matériau composite associant du plastique et du métal, ces derniers ont une meilleure énergie absorbée spécifique que les dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie plastiques, mais ils restent lourds.In order to reduce the weight of energy-absorbing devices, it is known practice to produce them in plastic material or in a composite material combining in particular plastic and metal. As regards the energy-absorbing devices made of plastic material, the latter are not entirely satisfactory owing to the fact that they have a low specific absorbed energy, that is to say that the energy that they can absorb compared to their mass is low. These plastic energy-absorbing devices are therefore less resistant. Regarding energy absorber devices made of composite material combining plastic and metal, the latter have better specific absorbed energy than plastic energy absorber devices, but they remain heavy.

Un des buts de la présente invention est de remédier au moins partiellement aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur et de proposer un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie léger et ayant une meilleure énergie absorbée spécifique.One of the aims of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a light energy absorber device having better specific absorbed energy.

Pour cela, l'invention propose un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie pour poutre pare-chocs de véhicule automobile, ledit dispositif absorbeur d'énergie étant destiné à faire la liaison entre une poutre pare-chocs et l'extrémité d'un longeron de véhicule en regard de la poutre pare-chocs, le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie comportant au moins une première zone réalisée dans un matériau polymère non-renforcé et au moins une deuxième zone comprenant un première couche nominale réalisée dans un matériau polymère renforcé comportant des fibres caractérisé en ce que la deuxième zone présente au moins une couche additionnelle qui est superposée au moins partiellement sur la première couche nominale de manière à faire varier l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone.For this, the invention provides an energy absorber device for a motor vehicle bumper beam, said energy absorber device being intended to make the connection between a bumper beam and the end of a vehicle spar. facing the bumper beam, the energy absorber device comprising at least a first zone made of an unreinforced polymer material and at least a second zone comprising a first nominal layer made of a reinforced polymer material comprising fibers characterized in that the second zone has at least one additional layer which is superimposed at least partially on the first nominal layer so as to vary the thickness of the second zone.

Ainsi, en faisant varier l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone par l'ajout ou non des couches additionnelles, il est possible de définir des profils de résistance spécifiques adaptés aux besoins du véhicule et configurer ainsi le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie en fonction de l'agencement du véhicule, notamment de sa poutre pare-chocs et des longerons, pour absorber les chocs de manière optimale.Thus, by varying the thickness of the second zone by adding or not adding additional layers, it is possible to define specific resistance profiles adapted to the needs of the vehicle and thus configure the energy absorber device according to the arrangement of the vehicle, in particular of its bumper beam and side members, to absorb shocks optimally.

Selon l'invention la deuxième zone présente des portions différentes où le nombre de couches en superposition est variable d'une portion à l'autre.According to the invention, the second zone has different portions where the number of superposed layers is variable from one portion to another.

Un autre aspect selon l'invention est que l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone croît de manière linéaire sur l'ensemble de la longueur de la deuxième zone.Another aspect according to the invention is that the thickness of the second zone increases linearly over the entire length of the second zone.

Un autre aspect selon l'invention est que les couches en superposition sont de dimension et/ou de formes différentes.Another aspect according to the invention is that the superposed layers are of different size and / or shapes.

Un autre aspect selon l'invention est que le matériau polymère renforcé comporte des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone continues et/ou discontinues. Les fibres de verre et/ou de carbone pouvant être orientées dans une même direction ou dans des directions différentes.Another aspect according to the invention is that the reinforced polymer material comprises continuous and / or discontinuous glass and / or carbon fibers. The glass and / or carbon fibers can be oriented in the same direction or in different directions.

Un autre aspect selon l'invention est que la couche nominale et la ou les couches additionnelles sont réalisées dans un même matériau.Another aspect according to the invention is that the nominal layer and the additional layer (s) are made of the same material.

L'invention concerne également un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte :

  • ∘ une base de fixation à un longeron de véhicule,
  • ∘ une enveloppe externe creuse, et
  • ∘ des parois internes disposées dans l'enveloppe externe creuse, l'enveloppe externe et les parois internes s'étendant depuis la base de fixation jusqu'à l'extrémité opposée du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie en liaison avec la poutre pare-chocs.
The invention also relates to an energy absorber device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:
  • ∘ a base for fixing to a vehicle spar,
  • ∘ a hollow outer shell, and
  • ∘ internal walls disposed in the hollow outer casing, the outer casing and the inner walls extending from the fixing base to the opposite end of the energy absorbing device in connection with the bumper beam.

Un autre aspect selon l'invention est que l'enveloppe externe creuse correspond à la deuxième zone et que la base de fixation et les parois internes correspondent à la première zone.Another aspect according to the invention is that the hollow outer casing corresponds to the second zone and that the fixing base and the internal walls correspond to the first zone.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie tel que décrit précédemment comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • Pré-découpage des couches additionnelles destinées à être superposées au format voulu,
  • Positionnement des couches additionnelles sur la couche nominale,
  • Fixation de l'ensemble par chauffage puis estampage ou presse.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an energy absorber device as described above comprising the following steps:
  • Pre-cutting of additional layers intended to be superimposed in the desired format,
  • Positioning of additional layers on the nominal layer,
  • Fixing of the assembly by heating then stamping or pressing.

D'autres mode de réalisation proposent que :

  • le matériau polymère non-renforcé de la première zone est choisi entre le polypropylène et le polyamide et le matériau polymère renforcé de la deuxième zone comporte du polypropylène ou du polyamide ;
  • la base de fixation et l'enveloppe externe creuse sont réalisées en matériau polymère non-renforcé et que les parois internes sont réalisées en matériau polymère renforcé ;
  • l'enveloppe externe creuse et les parois internes comportent une partie périphérique supérieure et une partie périphérique inférieure réalisées en matériau polymère non-renforcé et une partie centrale réalisée en matériau polymère renforcé ;
  • la base de fixation est réalisée en matériau polymère non-renforcé ;
  • la base de fixation est réalisée en matériau polymère renforcé ;
  • le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie comporte en outre :
    • ∘ une base intermédiaire de laquelle s'étend :
      • ▪ une première enveloppe externe creuse en direction de la poutre pare-chocs de sorte à former une première cavité,
      • ▪ une deuxième enveloppe externe creuse en direction du longeron de véhicule de sorte à former une deuxième cavité, et
    • ∘ des parois internes disposées à la fois dans la première cavité et dans la deuxième cavité ;
  • le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie est tel que :
    • ∘ la base intermédiaire, la première enveloppe externe et la deuxième enveloppe externe sont réalisées en matériau polymère non-renforcé,
    • ∘ les parois internes de la première cavité et de la deuxième cavité sont réalisées en matériau polymère renforcé ;
  • le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie est tel que :
    • ∘ la base intermédiaire, la première enveloppe externe et les parois internes de la première cavité sont réalisées en matériau polymère non-renforcé,
    • ∘ la deuxième enveloppe externe et les parois internes entrecroisées de la deuxième cavité sont réalisées en matériau polymère renforcé ;
  • le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie est tel que :
    • ∘ une base de fixation à un longeron de véhicule et des rangés de structures alvéolées s'étendant depuis la base de fixation jusqu'à l'extrémité opposée du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie en liaison avec la poutre pare-chocs, la base de fixation et les structures alvéolées étant réalisées en matériau polymère non-renforcé, et
    • ∘ une paroi sinueuse entourant au moins partiellement les rangés de structure alvéolées et s'étendant depuis la base de fixation jusqu'à l'extrémité opposée du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie en liaison avec la poutre pare-chocs, la paroi sinueuse étant réalisée en matériau polymère renforcé.
Other embodiments propose that:
  • the unreinforced polymer material of the first zone is chosen between polypropylene and polyamide and the reinforced polymer material of the second zone comprises polypropylene or polyamide;
  • the fixing base and the hollow outer shell are made of unreinforced polymer material and the internal walls are made of reinforced polymer material;
  • the hollow outer casing and the inner walls have an upper peripheral part and a lower peripheral part made of unreinforced polymer material and a central part made of reinforced polymer material;
  • the fixing base is made of unreinforced polymer material;
  • the fixing base is made of reinforced polymer material;
  • the energy absorber device further comprises:
    • ∘ an intermediate base from which extends:
      • ▪ a first hollow outer casing in the direction of the bumper beam so as to form a first cavity,
      • ▪ a second hollow outer casing towards the vehicle spar so as to form a second cavity, and
    • ∘ internal walls disposed both in the first cavity and in the second cavity;
  • the energy absorber device is such that:
    • ∘ the intermediate base, the first outer casing and the second outer casing are made of unreinforced polymer material,
    • ∘ the internal walls of the first cavity and of the second cavity are made of reinforced polymer material;
  • the energy absorber device is such that:
    • ∘ the intermediate base, the first external envelope and the internal walls of the first cavity are made of unreinforced polymer material,
    • ∘ the second outer shell and the intersecting inner walls of the second cavity are made of reinforced polymer material;
  • the energy absorber device is such that:
    • ∘ a base for attachment to a vehicle spar and rows of honeycomb structures extending from the attachment base to the opposite end of the energy absorber device in connection with the bumper beam, the attachment base and the honeycomb structures being made of unreinforced polymer material, and
    • ∘ a sinuous wall at least partially surrounding the rows of honeycomb structure and extending from the fixing base to the opposite end of the energy absorbing device in connection with the bumper beam, the sinuous wall being made of reinforced polymer material.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante, donnée à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif, et des dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 montre une représentation schématique d'une poutre pare-chocs, de longerons, et d'un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie selon l'invention selon une vue de haut,
  • la figure 2 montre une coupe longitudinale selon l'axe de coupe AA du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie de la figure 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation,
  • la figure 3 montre une coupe longitudinale selon l'axe de coupe AA du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie de la figure 1 selon une variante du premier mode de réalisation,
  • la figure 4 illustre une coupe transversale selon l'axe de coupe BB du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie de la figure 1 selon une variante du premier mode de réalisation.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:
  • the figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a bumper beam, side members, and an energy absorber device according to the invention in a top view,
  • the figure 2 shows a longitudinal section along the cutting axis AA of the energy absorbing device of the figure 1 according to a first embodiment,
  • the figure 3 shows a longitudinal section along the cutting axis AA of the energy absorbing device of the figure 1 according to a variant of the first embodiment,
  • the figure 4 illustrates a transverse section along the sectional axis BB of the energy absorbing device of the figure 1 according to a variant of the first embodiment.

Sur les différentes figures, les éléments identiques portent les mêmes numéros de référence.In the various figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

Les réalisations suivantes sont des exemples. Bien que la description se réfère à un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, ceci ne signifie pas nécessairement que chaque référence concerne le même mode de réalisation, ou que les caractéristiques s'appliquent seulement à un seul mode de réalisation. De simples caractéristiques de différents modes de réalisation peuvent également être combinées et/ou interchangées pour fournir d'autres réalisations.The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the characteristics apply only to one embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

Dans la présente description, on peut indexer certains éléments ou paramètres, comme par exemple premier élément ou deuxième élément ainsi que premier paramètre et second paramètre ou encore premier critère et deuxième critère etc. Dans ce cas, il s'agit d'un simple indexage pour différencier et dénommer des éléments ou paramètres ou critères proches mais non identiques. Cette indexation n'implique pas une priorité d'un élément, paramètre ou critère par rapport à un autre et on peut aisément interchanger de telles dénominations sans sortir du cadre de la présente description. Cette indexation n'implique pas non plus un ordre dans le temps par exemple pour apprécier tel ou tel critère.In the present description, it is possible to index certain elements or parameters, such as for example first element or second element as well as first parameter and second parameter or even first and second criterion. criterion etc. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements or parameters or criteria which are similar but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of an element, parameter or criterion with respect to another and it is easily possible to interchange such names without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexation does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess this or that criterion.

Les véhicules automobiles sont généralement munis d'une poutre pare-chocs 2 disposée en face avant. Comme le montre la figure 1, cette poutre pare-chocs 2 peut être fixée à un longeron 3 du véhicule. Afin d'absorber les chocs et d'éviter que l'énergie des chocs ne soit directement transmise aux longerons 3 ainsi qu'au reste du véhicule, la poutre pare-chocs 2 peut comporter des dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie 1 qui font la liaison entre la poutre pare-chocs 2 et les extrémités des longerons 3 qui sont en regards de ladite poutre pare-chocs 2. Ces dispositifs absorbeur d'énergie 1 se déforment selon une déformation programmée lorsque l'énergie du choc atteint un certain niveau afin d'absorber cette énergie.Motor vehicles are generally provided with a bumper beam 2 arranged on the front face. As shown in the figure 1 , this bumper beam 2 can be fixed to a side member 3 of the vehicle. In order to absorb the shocks and to prevent the energy of the shocks from being directly transmitted to the side members 3 as well as to the rest of the vehicle, the bumper beam 2 may include energy absorbing devices 1 which make the connection. between the bumper beam 2 and the ends of the side members 3 which are opposite said bumper beam 2. These energy-absorbing devices 1 are deformed according to a programmed deformation when the energy of the impact reaches a certain level in order to 'absorb this energy.

Le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 s'étend selon une direction longitudinale (X), transversale (Y) et verticale (Z), par exemple par rapport aux axes du véhicule, comme représenté par les axes sur la figure 1.The energy absorber device 1 extends in a longitudinal (X), transverse (Y) and vertical (Z) direction, for example with respect to the axes of the vehicle, as represented by the axes on the figure 1 .

Comme le montre les figures 2 et 3, le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 comporte au moins une première zone 4 réalisée dans un matériau polymère non-renforcé, illustré ici par les éléments en rayés, et au moins une deuxième zone 6 réalisée dans un matériau polymère renforcé comportant des fibres, illustrée ici par les éléments en unis.As shown by figures 2 and 3 , the energy absorber device 1 comprises at least a first zone 4 made of an unreinforced polymer material, illustrated here by the striped elements, and at least a second zone 6 made of a reinforced polymer material comprising fibers, illustrated here by the elements in united.

Par matériau polymère renforcé, on entend que le matériau polymère comporte des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone. Par matériau polymère non-renforcé, on entend que le matériau polymère ne comporte pas de fibres. Ainsi, il est possible d'avoir un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 comportant une première zone 4 réalisée dans un matériau présentant une première propriété d'absorption des chocs et une deuxième zone 6 réalisée dans un matériau présentant une deuxième propriété d'absorption des chocs. Bien évidemment, le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 selon l'invention est tel que la première zone 4 et la deuxième zone 6 présentent des propriétés d'absorption des chocs différentes, ou autrement dit, le matériau polymère non-renforcé de la première zone 4 présente une propriété, ou profil, ou aptitude ou encore capacité, d'absorption des chocs différente du matériau polymère renforcé comportant des fibres de la deuxième zone 6. Selon l'invention, seul le matériau polymère renforcé comporte des fibres.By reinforced polymeric material is meant that the polymeric material comprises glass and / or carbon fibers. By unreinforced polymeric material is meant that the polymeric material does not contain fibers. Thus, it is possible to have an energy absorber device 1 comprising a first zone 4 made of a material having a first property of shock absorption and a second zone 6 made of a material having a second property of absorption of shocks. shocks. Obviously, the energy absorber device 1 according to the invention is such that the first zone 4 and the second zone 6 have different shock absorption properties, or in other words, the unreinforced polymeric material of the first zone 4 has a property, or profile, or aptitude or yet another shock absorption capacity of the reinforced polymer material comprising fibers from the second zone 6. According to the invention, only the reinforced polymer material comprises fibers.

Le matériau polymère non-renforcé de la première portion 4 peut être choisi entre le polypropylène et le polyamide. Le matériau polymère renforcé de la deuxième portion 6 qui peut quant à lui également comporter du polypropylène ou du polyamide.The unreinforced polymer material of the first portion 4 can be chosen between polypropylene and polyamide. The reinforced polymer material of the second portion 6 which may for its part also include polypropylene or polyamide.

Les fibres du matériau polymère renforcé peuvent notamment être des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone. Ces fibres peuvent être des fibres discontinues et ainsi permettre la fabrication d'un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie par injection. Les fibres peuvent être des fibres continues et permettre la fabrication d'un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 par thermoformage. Ces modes de fabrications ne sont pas limitatifs et il est tout à fait possible d'imaginer tout autre mode de fabrication connu et adapté à la fabrication d'un composant bi-matière et dont l'une des matières comporte des renforts sous forme de fibres. Les fibres peuvent être alignées dans une même direction ou dans des directions différentes.The fibers of the reinforced polymer material can in particular be glass and / or carbon fibers. These fibers can be staple fibers and thus allow the manufacture of an energy absorbing device by injection. The fibers can be continuous fibers and allow the manufacture of an energy absorbing device 1 by thermoforming. These manufacturing methods are not limiting and it is quite possible to imagine any other known manufacturing method suitable for the manufacture of a two-material component and one of the materials of which comprises reinforcements in the form of fibers. . The fibers can be aligned in the same direction or in different directions.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 2 qui est une coupe longitudinale selon l'axe de coupe AA du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 de la figure 1, le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 comporte :

  • ∘ une base de fixation 8 à un longeron 3 de véhicule disposée à une extrémité du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1,
  • ∘ une enveloppe externe 10 creuse, et
  • ∘ des parois internes 12 disposées dans la cavité interne de l'enveloppe externe 10 creuse.
According to a first embodiment illustrated in figure 2 which is a longitudinal section along the cutting axis AA of the energy absorbing device 1 of the figure 1 , the energy absorber device 1 comprises:
  • ∘ an attachment base 8 to a vehicle spar 3 arranged at one end of the energy absorbing device 1,
  • ∘ a hollow outer casing 10, and
  • ∘ internal walls 12 disposed in the internal cavity of the hollow outer casing 10.

L'enveloppe externe 10 s'étend depuis la base de fixation 8 jusqu'à l'extrémité opposée du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 en liaison avec la poutre pare-chocs 2, tandis que les parois internes 12 s'étendent au sein de l'enveloppe externe 10, notamment entre deux parois de la surface interne de l'enveloppe externe 10 qui sont en regard l'une de l'autre. Les parois internes 12 et/ ou la base de fixation 8 peuvent comprendre des points de soudure 18 ou peuvent être réalisées d'un seul tenant.The outer casing 10 extends from the fixing base 8 to the opposite end of the energy absorbing device 1 in connection with the bumper beam 2, while the internal walls 12 extend within the external envelope 10, in particular between two walls of the internal surface of the external envelope 10 which are opposite one another. The internal walls 12 and / or the fixing base 8 can include weld points 18 or can be made in one piece.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation non illustré, l'enveloppe externe 10 et les parois internes 12 peuvent toutes deux s'étendre depuis la base de fixation 8 jusqu'à l'extrémité opposée du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 en liaison avec la poutre pare-chocs 2.According to another embodiment not shown, the outer casing 10 and the inner walls 12 can both extend from the fixing base 8 to the opposite end of the energy absorbing device 1 in connection with the beam. bumper 2.

La base de fixation 8 peut notamment comporter des orifices afin d'être fixée, par exemple au moyen de boulons, aux longerons 3.The fixing base 8 may in particular include orifices in order to be fixed, for example by means of bolts, to the side members 3.

La deuxième zone 6, ici l'enveloppe externe 10, présente au moins deux couches qui se superposent au moins partiellement de manière à faire varier l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone. Autrement dit, la deuxième zone 6 présente une première couche nominale 16 qui s'étend sur toute la longueur de l'enveloppe externe 10, et au moins sur une partie de sa longueur, une ou plusieurs couches additionnelles 14, ou encore un patch (traduit de l'anglais pour définir un élément plat) de manière à ce que l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone 6 soit plus grande lorsqu'il y a deux couches plutôt qu'une seule.The second zone 6, here the outer casing 10, has at least two layers which overlap at least partially so as to vary the thickness of the second zone. In other words, the second zone 6 has a first nominal layer 16 which extends over the entire length of the outer casing 10, and at least over part of its length, one or more additional layers 14, or even a patch ( translated from English to define a flat element) so that the thickness of the second area 6 is greater when there are two layers rather than just one.

On peut ainsi définir la deuxième zone 6, ou en l'occurrence l'enveloppe externe 10, comme comprenant une première couche nominale 16 qui s'étend sur une longueur donnée, par exemple la distance séparant la poutre pare-chocs du longeron du véhicule, et une pluralité de couches additionnelles 14 qui s'étendent sur une longueur plus courte que celle de la première couche nominale 16.It is thus possible to define the second zone 6, or in this case the outer casing 10, as comprising a first nominal layer 16 which extends over a given length, for example the distance separating the bumper beam from the vehicle spar. , and a plurality of additional layers 14 which extend over a length shorter than that of the nominal first layer 16.

Les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent être réalisées dans le même matériau que celui de la première couche nominale 16, à savoir en un matériau polymère, composite ou non, renforcé ou non comportant des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone, les fibres pouvant être orientées dans une même direction ou dans des directions différentes.The additional layers 14 can be made of the same material as that of the first nominal layer 16, namely a polymer material, composite or not, reinforced or not comprising glass and / or carbon fibers, the fibers being able to be oriented. in the same direction or in different directions.

Les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent également être réalisées dans un matériau différent que celui de la première couche nominale 16 comme par exemple par une bande de thermoplastique par exemple sous la forme d'un matériau tissé comprenant des fibres de verres et/ou de carbone avec une matrice thermoplastique (aussi appelé organo-sheet). Le thermoplastique peut également être renforcé en comportant des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone.The additional layers 14 can also be made of a material different from that of the first nominal layer 16, for example by a strip of thermoplastic, for example in the form of a woven material comprising glass and / or carbon fibers with a thermoplastic matrix (also called organo-sheet). The thermoplastic can also be reinforced by including glass and / or carbon fibers.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 2, les couches additionnelles 14 sont superposées régulièrement les unes sur les autres de manière à ce que l'épaisseur ef de la deuxième zone 6 augmente régulièrement par palier. Ainsi, l'épaisseur ef de la deuxième zone 6 augmente en fonction du nombre de couche additionnelle 14. Autrement dit, la deuxième zone 6 est en forme d'escalier. Ici, il y a la première couche nominale 16 et cinq couches additionnelles 14 superposées les unes sur les autres sur des longueurs différentes. L'épaisseur ef de la deuxième zone 6 augmente de manière locale en fonction du nombre de couches additionnelles 14, qui varie entre zéro et cinq ici, définissant ainsi un gradient d'épaisseur.According to the embodiment illustrated in figure 2 , the additional layers 14 are regularly superimposed on each other so that the thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases regularly in stages. Thus, the thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases as a function of the number of additional layer 14. In other words, the second zone 6 is in the form of a staircase. Here there is the nominal first layer 16 and five additional layers 14 superimposed on top of each other at different lengths. The thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases locally as a function of the number of additional layers 14, which varies between zero and five here, thus defining a thickness gradient.

L'invention ne se limite pas au nombre de couches additionnelles 14. Les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent être d'épaisseur égale ou différente, et de forme identique ou différente. Les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent s'étendre sur l'intégralité de l'enveloppe externe 10 ou ne recouvrir qu'une partie de l'enveloppe externe 10 comme illustré sur la figure 4. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté en figure 4, l'enveloppe externe 10, en particulier la couche nominale 16, est de section carrée et les couches additionnelles 14 sont réparties sur deux côtés opposés de cette section carrée. Les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent être réparties sur une partie, ou sur la totalité, de la largueur d'un ou des côtés de la couche nominale 16.The invention is not limited to the number of additional layers 14. The additional layers 14 may be of equal or different thickness, and of identical or different shape. The additional layers 14 may extend over the whole of the outer shell 10 or cover only part of the outer shell 10 as illustrated in figure. figure 4 . In the embodiment shown in figure 4 , the outer casing 10, in particular the nominal layer 16, is of square section and the additional layers 14 are distributed on two opposite sides of this square section. The additional layers 14 can be distributed over part or all of the width of one or more sides of the nominal layer 16.

Bien évidemment, l'invention ne se limite pas au positionnement spécifique de ces couches additionnelles 14. Selon un mode de réalisation non illustré, les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent être agencées sur un seul côté, deux, trois, voire sur l'ensemble des côtés (par exemple sur six cotés si l'enveloppe externe est en de section hexagonal). L'enveloppe externe 10 peut être de section en forme de tout polygone, voire de section ovale.Obviously, the invention is not limited to the specific positioning of these additional layers 14. According to an embodiment not illustrated, the additional layers 14 can be arranged on only one side, two, three, or even all of the sides. (for example on six sides if the outer casing is hexagonal section). The outer casing 10 may have a cross section in the form of any polygon, or even an oval cross section.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 3, les couches additionnelles 14 sont superposées de manière irrégulière les unes sur les autres de manière à ce que l'épaisseur de la deuxième zone 6 augmente irrégulièrement par palier avec l'épaisseur ef, comprenant l'épaisseur de la première couche nominale 16 et de celle des couches additionnelles 14, varie en fonction du nombre de couche additionnelle 14 qui varie ici entre zéro et trois. Autrement dit, la deuxième zone 6 a une évolution en créneau. Ici, il y a la première couche nominale 16 et des couches additionnelles 14 certaines étant superposées, d'autres non, la couche nominale 16 n'étant pas superposée avec une couche additionnelle 14 sur toute sa longueur. Autrement dit, il y a certains créneaux où la couche nominale 16 n'est pas superposée avec une couche additionnelle 14. L'épaisseur ef de la deuxième zone 6 augmente de manière locale en fonction du nombre de couches additionnelles 14 qui varie entre zéro et trois ici définissant ainsi un gradient d'épaisseur.According to the embodiment illustrated in figure 3 , the additional layers 14 are superimposed irregularly on each other so that the thickness of the second zone 6 increases irregularly in stages with the thickness e f , comprising the thickness of the first nominal layer 16 and that of the additional layers 14, varies according to the number of additional layer 14 which varies here between zero and three. In other words, the second zone 6 has a niche evolution. Here there is the nominal first layer 16 and additional layers 14 some being superimposed, others not, the nominal layer 16 not being superimposed with an additional layer 14 over its entire length. In other words, there are certain slots where the nominal layer 16 is not superimposed with an additional layer 14. The thickness e f of the second zone 6 increases locally as a function of the number of additional layers 14 which varies between zero and three here thus defining a thickness gradient.

Selon les modes de réalisation illustrées aux figures 2 et 3, la deuxième zone 6 peut également présenter une couche nominale 16 qui augmente d'épaisseur linéairement avec ou sans la superposition de couches additionnelles 14.According to the embodiments illustrated in figures 2 and 3 , the second zone 6 can also have a nominal layer 16 which increases in thickness linearly with or without the superposition of additional layers 14.

La première zone 4, réalisée en un matériau polymère non-renforcé, présente une ductilité importante ce qui lui confère la capacité de se déformer, sans rompre, en cas de choc ; c'est-à-dire d'absorber une quantité d'énergie acceptable en cas de choc. Autrement dit, une forte capacité à se déformer plastiquement sans se rompre, la rupture se faisant lorsqu'un défaut telle une fissure ou cavité, induit par la déformation plastique, devient critique et se propage, la seconde zone 6 présente donc une forte aptitude à résister à cette propagation.The first zone 4, made of an unreinforced polymer material, has high ductility which gives it the ability to deform, without breaking, in the event of an impact; that is, to absorb an acceptable amount of energy in the event of an impact. In other words, a strong capacity to deform plastically without breaking, the rupture occurring when a defect such as a crack or cavity, induced by the plastic deformation, becomes critical and propagates, the second zone 6 therefore has a strong capacity for resist this spread.

La deuxième zone 6, réalisée en un matériau polymère renforcé, présente un faible allongement à rupture ou autrement dit une faible capacité à s'allonger avant de rompre lorsqu'il est sollicité en traction.The second zone 6, made of a reinforced polymer material, has a low elongation at break or in other words a low capacity to stretch before breaking when it is stressed in tension.

Notamment, le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 présente une bonne résistance au cisaillement.In particular, the energy absorber device 1 has good shear strength.

De surcroît, en cas d'apparition de fissures sur la seconde zone 6, la première zone 4 permet d'empêcher la propagation de cette fissure et de conserver l'intégrité du dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1.In addition, in the event of the appearance of cracks in the second zone 6, the first zone 4 makes it possible to prevent the propagation of this crack and to preserve the integrity of the energy absorber device 1.

En outre, dans des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, on peut éventuellement avoir recours à l'une et/ou à l'autre des dispositions suivantes :

  • le matériau polymère non-renforcé de la première zone 4 est un polymère thermoplastique ;
  • le matériau polymère non-renforcé de la première zone 4 comprend du polyamide et/ou du polypropylène ;
  • la première zone 4 présente un allongement à rupture au moins égal à 40%, ou à 50%, à 60% ou à 80% ; la poutre de pare-chocs est donc capable d'absorber une importante quantité d'énergie ; plus généralement, la seconde zone 6 peut aussi présenter un allongement à rupture au moins égal à 100% ;
  • le matériau polymère renforcé de la seconde zone 6 comporte un polymère thermoplastique ;
  • le matériau polymère renforcé de la seconde zone 6, à savoir la couche nominale 16 et/ou les couches additionnelles 14, comporte des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone ; lorsqu'elle comporte des fibres de verre, la seconde zone 6 est moins couteuse, lorsqu'elle comporte des fibres de carbone, la seconde zone 6 présente des performances mécaniques améliorées ;
  • le matériau polymère renforcé de la seconde zone 6 comporte des fibres continues et/ou des fibres discontinues qui sont orientées dans une même direction ou dans des directions différentes ;
  • les couches additionnelles disposées alternativement l'une sur l'autre présentent une épaisseur comprise entre 0,1 millimètre et 10 millimètres ;
  • les couches additionnelles 14 peuvent avoir une même épaisseur ou avoir des épaisseurs différentes d'une couche additionnelle 14 à l'autre, la poutre de pare-chocs est donc renforcée mécaniquement ;
  • la deuxième zone 6 peut comprendre des couches additionnelles réalisées dans un matériau comprenant du polyamide renforcé par des fibres de verre et/ou du polypropylène renforcé par des fibres de verre et/ou de carbone ; le dispositif absorbeur d'énergie est donc renforcé mécaniquement.
In addition, in preferred embodiments of the invention, it is optionally possible to have recourse to one and / or other of the following arrangements:
  • the unreinforced polymeric material of the first zone 4 is a thermoplastic polymer;
  • the unreinforced polymeric material of the first zone 4 comprises polyamide and / or polypropylene;
  • the first zone 4 has an elongation at break of at least 40%, or 50%, 60% or 80%; the bumper beam is therefore capable of absorbing a large amount of energy; more generally, the second zone 6 can also have an elongation at break of at least 100%;
  • the reinforced polymer material of the second zone 6 comprises a thermoplastic polymer;
  • the reinforced polymer material of the second zone 6, namely the nominal layer 16 and / or the additional layers 14, comprises glass and / or carbon fibers; when it comprises glass fibers, the second zone 6 is less expensive; when it comprises carbon fibers, the second zone 6 has improved mechanical performance;
  • the reinforced polymeric material of the second zone 6 comprises continuous fibers and / or staple fibers which are oriented in the same direction or in different directions;
  • the additional layers arranged alternately on top of each other have a thickness of between 0.1 millimeter and 10 millimeters;
  • the additional layers 14 can have the same thickness or have different thicknesses from one additional layer 14 to another, the bumper beam is therefore mechanically reinforced;
  • the second zone 6 can comprise additional layers made of a material comprising polyamide reinforced with glass fibers and / or polypropylene reinforced with glass and / or carbon fibers; the energy absorber device is therefore mechanically reinforced.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1 tel que décrit ci-dessus comprenant les étapes décrites ci-dessous. Un dispositif absorbeur d'énergie 1, notamment les parois internes 12, la base de fixation 8, et la couche nominale 16, peut être formé préalablement par injection bi-matière ou thermoformage.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an energy absorber device 1 as described above comprising the steps described below. An energy absorber device 1, in particular the internal walls 12, the fixing base 8, and the nominal layer 16, can be formed beforehand by two-material injection or thermoforming.

Tout d'abord il y a une étape de pré-découpage des couches additionnelles 14 au format voulu, comme par exemple, sur la moitié de la largeur d'un côté de l'enveloppe externe 10, sur un quart de la longueur sur deux côté de l'enveloppe externe 10, etc.First of all there is a step of pre-cutting additional layers 14 to the desired format, such as for example, on half the width of one side of the outer casing 10, on a quarter of the length on two side of the outer casing 10, etc.

Il y a ensuite une étape où les couches additionnelles 14 sont positionnées en butée contre la couche nominale 16 de manière à ce qu'elles soient superposées, et sont maintenues dans une telle configuration.There is then a step where the additional layers 14 are positioned in abutment against the nominal layer 16 so that they are superimposed, and are maintained in such a configuration.

Enfin, les différents éléments sont fixés ensembles par une étape de chauffe et d'estampage ou de presse de manière à créer une liaison entre les différentes couches additionnelles 14 et la couche nominale 16.Finally, the various elements are fixed together by a heating and stamping or pressing step so as to create a bond between the various additional layers 14 and the nominal layer 16.

Il doit être bien entendu toutefois que ces exemples de réalisation sont donnés à titre d'illustration de l'objet de l'invention. L'invention n'est pas limitée à ces modes de réalisation décrits précédemment et fournis uniquement à titre d'exemple. Elle englobe diverses modifications, formes alternatives et autres variantes que pourra envisager l'homme du métier dans le cadre de la présente invention et notamment toute combinaison des différents modes de réalisation décrits précédemment.It should be understood, however, that these exemplary embodiments are given by way of illustration of the subject of the invention. The invention is not limited to these embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variations which a person skilled in the art may envisage in the context of the present invention and in particular any combination of the various embodiments described above.

Claims (8)

  1. Energy-absorbing device (1) for a motor vehicle bumper beam, said energy-absorbing device (1) being designed to make the connection between a bumper beam (2) and the end of a vehicle side member (3) facing the bumper beam (2), the energy-absorbing device (1) including at least one first zone (4) made from a non-reinforced polymer material and at least one second zone (6) comprising a first nominal layer (16) made from a fiber-reinforced polymer material, characterized in that the second zone (6) has at least one additional layer (14) that is superposed at least partially on the first nominal layer (16) so as to vary the thickness (ef) of the second zone (6), the second zone (6) having different portions in which the number of superposed layers (14, 16) is variable from one portion to another.
  2. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to Claim 1, in which the thickness (ef) of the second zone (6) increases linearly over the entire length of the second zone (6).
  3. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the superposed layers (14, 16) are of different dimensions and/or shapes.
  4. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the reinforced polymer material includes continuous and/or discontinuous glass and/or carbon fibers.
  5. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the nominal layer (16) and the additional layer (s) (14) are made from a single material.
  6. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes:
    ∘ a base (8) for fixing to a vehicle side member (3),
    ∘ a hollow outer casing (10), and
    ∘ inner walls (12) arranged in the hollow outer casing (10),
    the outer casing (10) and the inner walls (12) extending from the fixing base (8) to the opposite end of the energy-absorbing device (1) connected to the bumper beam (2).
  7. Energy-absorbing device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the hollow outer casing (10) corresponds to the second zone (6) and that the fixing base (8) and the inner walls (12) correspond to the first zone (4).
  8. Method for manufacturing an energy-absorbing device according to one of Claims 1-7, comprising the following steps:
    - Pre-cutting the additional layers (14) for superposing to the desired format,
    - Positioning the additional layers on the nominal layer,
    - Fixing the assembly by heating then stamping or pressing.
EP18725272.1A 2017-04-28 2018-04-19 Energy-absorbing device for the bumper beam of a motor vehicle Active EP3615384B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1753749A FR3065689B1 (en) 2017-04-28 2017-04-28 ENERGY ABSORBER DEVICE FOR BUMPER BEAM OF MOTOR VEHICLE
PCT/FR2018/050988 WO2018197785A1 (en) 2017-04-28 2018-04-19 Energy-absorbing device for the bumper beam of a motor vehicle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3615384A1 EP3615384A1 (en) 2020-03-04
EP3615384B1 true EP3615384B1 (en) 2021-08-11

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EP18725272.1A Active EP3615384B1 (en) 2017-04-28 2018-04-19 Energy-absorbing device for the bumper beam of a motor vehicle

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EP (1) EP3615384B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6953553B2 (en)
CN (1) CN110573386A (en)
FR (1) FR3065689B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018197785A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2785956B1 (en) * 1998-11-17 2005-07-01 Allibert Ind TELESCOPIC SHOCK ABSORBER WITH DEGREES AND VARIABLE THICKNESS
DE10053840A1 (en) * 2000-10-30 2002-05-08 Bayer Ag Bumper system for vehicles
FR2829734B1 (en) * 2001-09-20 2004-01-23 Peguform France BUMPER BEAM FOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A CROSSING AND TWO SHOCK ABSORBERS
DE10243460A1 (en) * 2002-09-19 2004-04-01 Rehau Ag + Co. Polymer energy absorber for motor vehicles and bumper system
US7842378B2 (en) * 2004-01-06 2010-11-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki Energy absorber and method for manufacturing the same
JP2009051244A (en) * 2007-08-23 2009-03-12 Unipres Corp Bumper stay
US10005408B2 (en) * 2011-11-03 2018-06-26 Sabic Global Technologies B.V. Energy absorbing system for conflicting regulatory requirements for vehicle bumpers
JPWO2013080974A1 (en) * 2011-11-28 2015-04-27 帝人株式会社 Shock absorbing member
JP5791676B2 (en) * 2013-09-10 2015-10-07 富士重工業株式会社 Shock absorber
DE102015011357A1 (en) * 2015-08-29 2016-03-17 Daimler Ag Energy absorption element for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3065689A1 (en) 2018-11-02
FR3065689B1 (en) 2019-04-19
EP3615384A1 (en) 2020-03-04
CN110573386A (en) 2019-12-13
JP2020516538A (en) 2020-06-11
WO2018197785A1 (en) 2018-11-01
JP6953553B2 (en) 2021-10-27

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